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I thought about the question. “Yes.”
“Then I will do everything I can to protect her. I apologize for my disrespect, but you need to be careful.” He came closer, offering his hand.
Yes, I did, but the man wasn’t going to tell me what to do under any circumstances.
“Thank God that’s over,” Barrett said. “We have issues to deal with including the prosecutor. He’s not going to stop with a single visit. If I had to guess, he’s planning another press conference.”
“He’s pushing hard, but someone is backing him, Barrett,” I told him.
He tilted his head, his eyes darting back and forth across mine. “A coordinated effort.”
“Absolutely. What I need you to find out is just how far reaching.”
“I’ll see what I can do. As you might imagine, there are a lot of people hesitant to talk to me.”
“Then it’s time to pull the rug out from under the chief of police, especially since he seems to be a damn good friend of Mr. Banks.”
“Do I want to know what you have on him?”
Barrett seemed skeptical as usual. “It would seem Chief Renard has no issue crossing the line taking bribes from two real estate moguls. And yes, I have some vivid art for you to use in exchange for his prized information.” After making the statement, I smiled.
I wasn’t certain of his reaction at first. When he grinned and shook his head, I almost laughed. “You’re getting more like your father every day. Send me copies and I’ll be happy to handle it.”
“Just stay here until I make a couple phone calls. I have the documentation printed out and saved specifically for a need such as this,” I told him as I headed for the door. “Why don’t we pay a visit to the chief together? Tomorrow morning.”
He inhaled, finally nodding. “You do like to play hardball. Just let me know when.”
“Good enough.
“Constantine, wait. We have something else to deal with,” Tristen said. “I found the mole. That’s why I wasn’t available when you called last night.”
I took a deep breath, raking my hand through my hair. The day was just getting better and better. “Who?”
“Nick. I told you the man was dirty. He was talking with one of Grasso’s soldiers.”
I glanced at Zane, who didn’t seem surprised. “Where the fuck is he?”
“I tried to warn you, but you were obviously unavailable. I dealt with it. Don’t worry. No one will know. I’m not certain he’s the only one.”
Fuck. Nick was new, which meant he’d found out little. The question was, had he worked for the Grassos or was he playing one against the other for an entirely different entity? “I’m going to err on the side of caution. The deal with the buyer is off. There’s something going down. I’m certain of it. Let the Grassos have this one.”
“You’re out of your mind,” Tristen said then he lifted his head. “You think the DEA are onto us?”
“I do.”
Barrett shook his head. “I don’t need to hear any of this, but I agree that you should lay low for the next two weeks, maybe longer, at least until it blows over.”
“You’re a part of the life, Barrett, whether you like it or not. The situation with the prosecutor is only going to continue escalating. I’m certain of it. The man has his reasons, some of which are personal. I’ll make the necessary calls. Tristen. You need to make certain every aspect of business for the next week is on the up and up. And have soldiers walk the streets talking to people. If something is going down, we need to hear it before it happens. I’ll let Daniel know.”
“We’ll take a hit, not only with the Saudis,” Tristen advised.
“He’s right, Tristen. There’s been too much chatter on the streets. Everyone feels more heat lately,” Zane added.
“It would make sense with what Mr. Banks is attempting to do. Now that his cage is rattled, he’ll come out swinging. Zane, you’re going to stay with Jade and do not let her talk to anyone.” As I started to leave the room, Barrett stopped me.
“What Ms. Wellington did might keep you from being arrested. Don’t poke the bear, as my father would say.”
I smiled as I glanced in his direction. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan on risking my business or my family over this. At least for now.” I strode out of the living room and into my office, moving to my desk where I’d left my phone. The second I noticed it missing, I sucked in my breath.
